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Strap irration

Former Member over 6 years ago

Hi, I've previously seen another member having irration issues with the vivoactive 3.

I've had my watch since March 2019, I use it for tracking my gym activities, steps etc... I clean my strap straight after I work out with alcohol wipes. I take it off before I shower and I don't wear it to bed all the time.

My rash is pretty bad. I have left my watch off for 3/4 days at a time just to ease the irritation.

I love my watch and have spent over $300 on it I am at a loss with what to do. Please help!

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0 Former Member over 6 years ago

The alcohol definitely does not help!!!

0 jim_m_58 over 6 years ago

I'd skip the alcohol and just use water and a mild soap. Maybe try wearing it a bit looser.

0 Ladybug_88 over 6 years ago

Alcohol will dry it out more. Use soap and water or switch to a breathable band.

0 RichHines1 over 6 years ago

I had the same issue. I tried switching the watch to my other wrist and the rash appeared on the other wrist as well.

I've stopped wearing the watch at night and try to take it off after a sweaty workout. The rash eventually went away a few months ago and hasn't reappeared but I'm not sure why.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Same problem here. To expand on what someone else said, switching the band is easy and any 20mm band will work.
https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/vivoactive3/EN-US/GUID-D12DCA82-FE5B-40EC-864D-235493FB8AF8.html

+1 Garmin-Zac over 6 years ago

The recommendations of avoiding alcohol wipes and ensuring the watch is clean and dry after activities are great. We would also recommend reaching out to our Product Support team with any skin irritation concerns so that we can investigate this with you directly.

0 2055552 over 6 years ago in reply to Ladybug_88

Can you point me to an example of a breathable watch band? Are they waterproof, too? Thank you.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I'm guessing you've been wearing your watch with a very snug fit...so snug that it can't move.

I also had a rash when I first got my VA3 and was also wearing it very snug at that time. I changed to setting watch strap to a looser fit with at least 1 or 2 finger tips in between the watch band and my inside arm. You should be able to slide the watch up and down on your arm which should also help with HR readings. I wipe off the band with just a Kleenex every time I take it off for a shower or recharging.

Good luck.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I had a similar issue and reporting it to Garmin they furnished me with a new leather strap. So far is working out better for me. I'd highly recommend contacting them directly.

0 global_local over 6 years ago

Hello! Have throw away the Garmin band after first 10 days wearing VA3. Got this one from Amazon and wear it happily 24/7. Now, in summer exchange my hands every day to get better color under the sun. And ones more rule that I have - On Activity +1 hole tighter, in the night -1 hole looser.